An unexpected guest at North Carolina security checkpoint surprised passengers. Read on for more

Clark is a 19-year-old bald eagle that travelled through airport security in North Carolina this week. The Transportation Security Administration said the Charlotte Douglas International Airport welcomed Clark on Monday.

Seeing such a bird move along the metal detectors is not an everyday thing. Videos and photos circulated on social media as the stunning eagle captured many hearts.

Background

Mark Howell, the TSA regional spokesperson, said their special guest Clark gave his wings a break and flew commercial with the World Bird Sanctuary.

Howell took to Twitter on Tuesday and posted it on TSA's Southwest Twitter account. He mentioned how they had trained Clark to spread his wings and how he showed it off.



He also mentioned that the airline notified TSA, and the handler and the eagle were screened at the airport.

Assistant Director of World Bird Sanctuary Daniel Cone told USA TODAY that Clark has a wingspan of over six feet and weighed around seven and a half pounds on Friday. Cone and Clark went through the checkpoint to go home from a convocation ceremony.



History
Cone sent an email to USA TODAY and mentioned that Clark flies for the Veteran's Day ceremony, incoming freshman ceremony, and graduation ceremony at High Point University every year. The duo have been travelling to High Point for a decade and have known each other longer.
Cone said that he and Clark the eagle grew up together as they have been together since Clark was 3, and Cone was a volunteer when he was 13. He added that it had been more than 16 years since they had been together.

Policy
Every airline has its own policy when bringing any animal on a commercial flight, and Cone and Clark always fly with Southwest. The duo is extremely thankful to Southwest for accommodating Clark.

Southwest makes a special exception for the World Bird Sanctuary and other animal organizations and allows animals to travel inside the cabin.

FAQs
Q1. Who is Clark?
A1. Clark is a bald eagle.

Q2. How old is Clark the eagle?
A2. Clark the eagle is 19 years old.